Have you ever wondered about massage for kids?

If you have kids in your life you are already in tune with how much more magic they bring to your days. Spending time with kids has always been something I love and let me tell y0u, most kids are ecstatic about massage! My niece and nephews are always asking me when it will be a good time for their next massage, it calms them and makes them feel good about their bodies. It gives them quiet time to explore sensations and ask questions about this amazing vehicle each of us are traveling in. Believe it or not kids get tight muscles and pain too and though they aren’t yet locked into unhealthy movement patterns, they are learning certain behaviors that they will carry with them throughout their lives. This is a great reason to begin addressing issues of tension in both mind and body beginning at a very young age.

Recently I have had many clients mention bringing their kids in for a massage and so I thought it would be a good time to share some ways that massage can benefit kids and what types of treatments it is appropriate to book them for.

The Benefits of massage for kids:

*there are so many that it would take forever to cover them here-I encourage you to research the benefits of massage for your child’s specific needs or ask us the next time you visit

“Massage reduces stress hormone levels and blood glucose levels. According to Maria Hernandez-Reif, a researcher at the Touch Research Institute, lower stress hormones not only reduce feelings of anxiety but contribute to a healthier immune system.” –Maggie Lynn, Read more at Livestrong.com Obviously this is a benefit to all people who get massage!

Massage reinforces positive feelings about self-worth and body image in kids (we might say adults as well). Touch is essential to a healthy life and we all thrive when our lives include regular positive touch-especially from those we care about. You might even enjoy giving your child a massage every day before bedtime to help them relax and create a time for positive reinforcement and bonding. Not sure how? You can always book a session and stay to observe, we are happy to give you some tips on the best ways to offer massage to your child.

“Preschoolers have shown better performance on tests of their intellectual and manual skills after a 15-minute massage. They also slept better during naps, were less likely to be overactive and had better behavior ratings. For teens struggling with the growing pains of adolescence, massage helps to balance unstable hormones and can relieve anxiety by producing a state of relaxation. A supportive relationship with a massage therapist who gives them safe, unconditional touch can also increase their feelings of self-acceptance and self-confidence during those trying years.”-Shirley Vanderbilt, Read more at massagetherapy.com

Massage can greatly benefit children with special needs including everything from weight gain for pre-term infants to hyperactivity to various sensory issues. Each of these requires and in depth review but a great place to start is with this article from ABMP titled Children and Massage.

What types and lengths of treatment are right for your child:

Infants-3 years old: We are not currently trained in infant to toddler massage here at Written on the Body but there are many places around Portland that offer infant massage, or classes on how to massage your baby at home: OHSU or Lopez Infant Massage are great examples

4 years old to 12 years old: We recommend starting with a 30 minute Focus! treatment here at Written on the Body and you are welcome to stay for any part or all of the treatments with your kids. You can also book your own treatment at the same time and make it a parent/child date! During this 30 minute focus massage your child could remain clothed and we would employ gentle massage techniques on the table such as rocking, compression and other aspects of Swedish massage. If appropriate we may use warm compresses or essential oils to enhance relaxation and keep your child’s attention. We always leave room for your child’s needs and will allow them to direct the session including the right for either of you to end it at any time.

13-17: At this age many kids are able to handle longer sessions and you might consider gradually increasing the length of their treatments until they are eventually able to handle a full hour. They may also be ready for other types of massage such as hot stone, deep tissue or sports massage and you can discuss these options with our team as you and your child feel it is appropriate.

Thai Massage

Thai Massage: Thai massage is clothed and performed on a mat on the floor. During Thai massage your therapist will compress, rock and stretch your body in various ways with the goal of deep relaxation, improving movement patterns and lengthening muscles. Thai massage is an excellent option for ages 4 to adults (and sometimes even younger)! If you are interested in finding out more about booking a Thai massage for you or your child email us at wonthebody@gmail.com and we will happily help you book an appointment.

Whether you decide to start a home massage routine with your child or book an appointment with your favorite therapist we are excited for you to start this journey! Ready to book? Click here to view our schedule online (when booking for your child please make a note for your therapist of your child’s age so that we can be prepared for the visit). Have more questions? Leave them in the comments or email us at wonthebody@gmail.com.

Cupping seems to be all the rage with athletes right now and for good reason, it works! I have heard a lot of varying opinions since I first tried out cupping myself, some folks believe it’s a hoax and the benefit is just a placebo effect, others seem confused about it all together, some think it will be painful and others agree that it is absolutely fabulous. In this post I hope to give you a clear and simple explanation of cupping so that you can go boldly forward to try it out for yourself!

Here we go….

noun

noun: cupping

(in Chinese medicine) a therapy in which heated glass cups are applied to the skin along the meridians of the body, creating suction as a way of stimulating the flow of energy.

To add on to the dictionary definition cupping is used to stimulate blood flow, bring fresh blood to the area and increase healing. This means it is good for physical issues including injuries, muscle tension, pain, restricted movement and so much more!

Who can provide cupping treatments?

If you have a complimentary health care provider that you currently see my advice would be to check with them first for a recommendation. If not you can visit us at Written on the Body! Both Theresa and Richard offer cupping treatments in addition to Acupuncture to our clients. Or you can seek out an acupuncturist, massage therapist or naturopathic physician who is trained in cupping.

What happens during a cupping treatment?

After a thorough intake with your practitioner they will have you disrobe the affected area. Some practitioners might use a tiny amount of oil to prepare your skin for the cupping procedure. There are different types of cupping, some use glass cups and fire to create suction and others use plastic cups that have tiny built in pumps to draw the air out. Whichever type of cups used you will feel the flesh being sucked up into the cups, typically this is not painful but depending on your specific issue it can become a little more intense. If it is too uncomfortable you can always let your practitioner know so that they can release some of the suction. Some therapists will let the cups sit for a time (seconds to a few minutes) and others will move the cups around similar to a massaging motion.

What happens after a cupping treatment?

After your practitioner removes the cups you may feel some tenderness in the area but it typically fades within 24 hours, you may also feel more tired than usual as your body works hard to heal itself. You will most likely have deep red or purple marks where the cups have been placed but they do not feel painful. These marks are caused by stagnant blood and toxins coming to the surface and will fade within a week or so. You will probably feel better! You might notice more freedom and less pain in the areas that have been cupped. If you get regular treatments and have a good self care routine you may even make a full recovery from injuries or other chronic issues.

Cupping in the news:

The Portland Trail Blazers added cupping into their injury prevention and recovery routines:

Floyd Mayweather recently got cupping:

Cupping is an ancient healing practice and this blog post is just a short adventure into what it is all about. To really understand it you will need to experience it and learn about the philosophies surrounding traditional Chinese medicine.

Have more questions? Leave them in the comments or email us at wonthebody@gmail.com. Thanks for reading and we look forward to working with you soon! Book online today.

Have you ever gotten a great massage only to have pain the next day? Pain after a massage can be a normal part of healing.

If you haven’t had a massage in a while, are brand new to massage or have a new issue that you are working on the chances are fairly high that you might experience some level of pain in the day or two following a massage. There are many explanations for this and though the experience and specifics will be unique to each person there are a few standard reasons on why this phenomenon happens:

Everyone has muscular patterns that have been created and reinforced over time and sometimes these patterns aren’t healthy resulting in inefficient ways of moving. The result is an overall imbalance with some muscles being tight and shortened while others are weak and overstretched. Eventually this can cause pain and/or injury as well as a sort of numbness. When massage begins to help release these unbalanced muscle patterns, the body has to adjust to a new and unfamiliar way of being, which can feel uncomfortable or even painful for a time. This is also the reason that regular massage combined with a self care plan is so important. As you might imagine it will take quite some time and effort to undo something that took so long to create.

Your massage therapist may move your body in a way that it is not accustomed to and just like a new exercise routine it can cause fatigue or soreness the following day or two. Staying active, hot baths with Epsom salts, ice therapy or heat therapy can help ease this type of discomfort as your body adjusts to these new feelings.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding detoxification and massage, I don’t want to add fuel to this debate in any way. I will stick to this: massage increases circulation and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which can sometimes cause an overload to your mind and body. Especially when it hasn’t experienced these sensations before, recently or if your body’s resources are going toward healing another issue such as an injury at the time of your massage. Drinking water, resting and taking care of yourself in general following a massage is important to lessening the possibility of fatigue or pain response.

Not all pain is created equal and it is always important to communicate with your massage therapist during your treatment. You should ask your therapist to lighten up on the pressure if you are experiencing pain during your massage that is sharp, shooting, numbing, tingling or 7+ on a pain scale of 1-10 (1 being very little to no pain and 10 being severe pain). You should always be able to breathe during your massage and if all your muscles are tensed against the pressure it defeats the purpose of trying to get tense muscles to let go. Good pain is ok but beyond that pain is not beneficial to your health. If you are experiencing sensations during or after a massage that seem abnormal you should communicate them to your therapist and if you think something is wrong it may be a good idea to check in with your doctor. In general there is nothing abnormal about experiencing a little pain after massage and it will likely stop happening after you begin to get regular treatments.

Have you ever thought to yourself “Should I get a massage?” If so then this post is for you!

If you are experiencing any of the following issues then massage is definitely right for you:

First and most important is that you enjoy being touched and find it comforting

If you have a serious medical condition or specific concern surrounding massage you should get clearance from your doctor before making an appointment

You live a high stress lifestyle and have limited time for yourself-massage can be a great way to reward yourself for working so hard and can help you feel renewed after giving so much to your job/family/friends/business etc…

You experience chronic pain-often times people believe they have to live with pain but this is not always the case! Regular massage treatments can help relieve or at the very least lessen chronic pain cycles.

You have tension headaches-massage can help loosen the muscles of the head neck and jaw to help you find release from the tension that causes headaches

You have a difficult time relaxing or shutting off your mind-massage, especially certain types of massage such as Thai and hot stone can be very effective in helping you wind down and find inner peace.

You are prone to injury involving pulled muscles and tears-massage truly can help unravel those long time patters of muscle tightness that eventually leads to injury. It is no magic pill but with regular treatments and a good self care routine you will find that you can become more balanced.

These are just a few of the reasons massage might be a good fit for you! If you have questions about your particular situation please feel free to drop me a line via email at wonthebody@gmail.com. I will look forward to hearing from you! Ready to book? Head to our online booking site and set your appointment today: Written on the Body Massage and Acupuncture Studio

Everything you want to know about Written on the Body’s VIP Monthly Massage Membership

It seems like everyone is coming out with a membership these days and I know how overwhelming it can be when you have a lot of choices! That’s why I thought I would take a minute this week to tell you all about our massage membership and why it’s a great choice for your health care plan. Here we go:

Why you should sign up for our monthly massage membership-

Duh! You will be WOTB VIP-Yeah! Seriously though, you will be the first to know when we are offering something new and you may even get the chance to try a new treatment before anyone else! You also get first dibs on great discounts and extras.

You are signing yourself up for the regular treatments you need and deserve. Consider it the first step to self renewal and a true commitment to your optimal health.

If you have never had regular massage you are in for a serious treat, the difference it will make in your mind and body are truly unmatched!

It’s low risk-we let you choose everything from the billing date to how you utilize the benefits, we even let you share with friends!

Unlike corporate entities, Written on the Body is owned by real people who actually provide the services you will be utilizing. If you are ever unhappy all you have to do is let us know and we will always go above and beyond to make the situation right

The VIP monthly massage membership is super affordable and that is always nice:)

What you are signing up for-

6 month contract where you are billed automatically by our secure system via the credit card you provide on the day of the month that you choose

Monthly charges are based on the type of massage that you choose: 60 minute Find Your Peace=$55 monthly payment (normally $70!), 60 Minute I’m in too deep=$75 monthly payment (normally $90!) , 60 minute hot stone=$65 monthly payment (normally $80!) *there is a $15 enrollment fee when you join and after that there are no other extra fees

For the monthly fee you get to come in for the type of massage you chose for your membership each month plus you get added to our weekly happy hour email list. The happy hour email is sent every Friday (if there is availability) and offers appointments at a very discounted price during certain hours for the following week. You can book as many of these appointments in addition to your monthly VIP massage as you like!

FAQ-

You can choose to upgrade anytime to add extra minutes to your monthly massage or add-on’s such as hot stones, deep tissue and foot/hand treatments just let us know when booking by making a note or via phone or email.

You can use all 6 massages in one month, 2 in a month or any combination of these. Though we do feel you get the most out of your membership when you are getting regular monthly treatments!

You can share your monthly massages with a friend or family member at no charge a total of two times during your 6 month contract

You have 60 days after your final billing in your 6 month contract to use all remaining massages in your membership

We do not auto renew your contract unless you directly let us know that you would like to continue your membership when the 6 months are up

Early cancellation fee is $100 or the balance of your contract (whichever is less).

Unforeseen circumstances-we do make exceptions on the cancellation fee if the circumstances warrant it such as an unexpected move out of state or severe illness. We encourage you to contact us if you find yourself in need

Pause a membership: We do allow you to pause your membership for up to 2 months at a time

You are subject to the same cancellation and tardy policies that apply to all clients at Written on the Body and we reserve the right to deduct your monthly treatment as the payment for last minute changes to your appointment. We will always try to work with you ahead of time.

You may change the credit card on file at any time during your membership by logging into your mind body account or by contacting us directly

3 ways to live a healthier and happier life in 2014

I always slack a little on most of my routines (outside of hammock laying and beach going) through the Summer, we get such a short visit from the sun here in Portland that I feel justified in my laziness. But It’s back to school time here in Oregon and I know that, like myself, many of you parents out there are ready to get back to the grind. When the kids go back to school it becomes easier for us to get back on top of work, exercise, healthy eating habits and in general taking care of ourselves. If you want to make a huge positive impact on your health and happiness you should try adding regular massage into your self care routine, you won’t believe what a difference it will make! Still not sure? Check out these great facts about the many ways regular massage can improve your overall well-being:

Find Relief from pain:

Millions of Americans suffer from pain and back pain seems to be the leader of the pack, in fact, low back pain is one of the most common reasons for missing work. In fact, back pain is one of the most listed reasons for visits to the doctor’s office. Treat low back pain with a combination of stretching, exercises and getting regular massage, acupuncture and/or chiropractic care. It is important to remember that surgery or pharmaceuticals are not the only option for finding freedom from pain. Many times with a little energy and regular self care you can live a happier and healthier life without the extra side effects that come with invasive surgery or drugs.

Free yourself from Stress and Anxiety:

The world is always changing, moving more quickly, raising it’s expectations-heaping more and more onto our plates. It is no wonder that many Americans are frequently suffering from bouts of depression, anxiety and insomnia. Stress is a killer and if left unregulated it can cause all sorts of issues in the body. Dr. Sheldon Cohen discovered in a 2012 study that “When under stress, cells of the immune system are unable to respond to hormonal control, and consequently, produce levels of inflammation that promote disease. Because inflammation plays a role in many diseases such as cardiovascular, asthma and autoimmune disorders, this model suggests why stress impacts them as well.” Help yourself regulate stress hormones with massage. Regular massage reduces the hormone cortisol in your body, and give the happiness inducing neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine a boost. Check out our buy 3 get 1 free massage packages and $55 monthly membership to get yourself on the path to freedom from stress today!

Look better, feel better and have more energy:

Speaking of stress, we all know it takes a toll on our energy levels as well as our appearance. Weight gain or loss, dark bags under our eyes, dull skin and exhaustion are all common side effects of stress. Massage can help these too by reducing stress levels and helping to boost your bodies natural healing abilities. Massage also improves circulation and skin tone to promote that beautiful healthy glow we are all striving to achieve. Learn more about the ways massage can help you feel and look better in this great article: The amazing ways massage can help you look prettier

Living a healthier and happier life is contingent on a healthy routine including exercise, diet and self care. Dedicate yourself to this cause-you are worth it!

Massage and Acupuncture are natural remedies for Neck pain

Neck pain is very common in our culture and there are many different reason’s a person can experience neck pain. Some of these include poor posture, unhealthy holding patterns created by repetitive motion or overuse, injuries, structural issues and changes are just a few. Neck pain can be very disruptive to a person’s everyday routine especially sleep patterns and regular work, when your body is chronically experiencing pain you are unable to function optimally. This in addition to the possibility of permanent disability and severe injury are important reasons to address neck pain as early and aggressively as possible. Here are some of the ways massage and acupuncture can help:

Acupuncture for neck pain:

Can reduce spasms and lesson pain

Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and even obliterate it with regular treatments

Acupuncture addresses underlying issues such as stagnant energy, holding patterns, stress and other problems that are at the root of your neck pain

Massage for neck pain:

Increases blood flow which promotes healing

Decreases tension in muscles

Increases endorphin’s

Calms the body releasing tension all over the body rather than just in the select concentrated areas

Regular massage can help lengthen muscles that are shortened allowing your posture to correct itself

Consider massage and acupuncture as part of your health care plan, you are important and taking good care of your body is essential to living a long, healthy and happy life. Check out our packages and memberships for affordable options in getting the treatment you need to become free of pain!

it’s time to make help yourself live a happier and more relaxed life by taking advantage of Written on the Body’s Rooftop Massage and Acupuncture treatments!

Rooftop relaxation featuring:

Massage.Acupuncture.Sauna

*make a note in your appointment that you are using the summer rooftop offer or first timer special for indoor appointments. You are also welcome to call 503.473.8515 or email wonthebody@gmail.com to book if you prefer

Do you need a massage but can’t figure out how to fit it into your budget?

Check out our affordable massage opportunities for a sliding scale option to get the relief your body and mind are longing for. These opportunities are limited and will be given on a qualified and first come/first served basis so don’t wait, Apply today!

To qualify please use the following worksheet guidelines (you may email us for a copy of the worksheet to download if you prefer at wonthebody@gmail.com):
once you have determined the category you qualify for you may be offered the following pricing options for sliding scale massage:

A. $40 per one hour Peace Massage

B. $45 per one hour Peace Massage

C. $55 per one hour Peace Massage

D. $60 per one hour Peace Massage

E. Full Price

*These sliding scale massage appointments are limited and are given on a first come first serve basis. Please send the completed sliding scale form and supporting income documents to wonthebody@gmail.com. We will notify you within 7 business days if you have been approved and the timeline/therapist available for you to book within. We retain full rights to ask you for updated information and to alter your fee and booking/therapist schedule at any time. If we choose to do so we will notify you via email. Our regular cancellation policy applies to all sliding scale appointments.

If you don’t qualify for our sliding scale massage opportunities we have many other ways to get regular massage on a budget! Check out our VIP Membership starting as low as $55 per month or our Buy 3 get 1 Free Packages Here.

Whichever way you go we hope to see you soon! Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!